Sen no Rikyū

Japanese tea master (1522–1591) Sen no Rikyū千 利休Sen no Rikyū by Hasegawa TōhakuPersonal lifeBorn1522Sakai, Sengoku JapanDiedApril 21, 1591(1591-04-21) (aged 68–69)Kyoto, Azuchi–Momoyama JapanResting placeJukō-inReligious lifeReligionZenSchoolRinzai school Sen no Rikyū (Japanese: 千 利休; 1522 – April 21, 1591), also known simply as Rikyū, was a Japanese tea master considered the most important influence on the Japanese tea ceremony, particularly the tradition of wabi-cha. He was also the first to emphasize several key aspects of the ceremony, including rustic simplicity, directness of approach and honesty of self. Originating from the Sengoku and Azuchi–Momoyama periods, these aspects of the tea ceremony persist. Three iemoto or sōke ('head houses') of tea ceremony are directly descended from Rikyū: the Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushakōjisenke, all of which are dedicated to passing forward the teachings of their mutual family founder, Rikyū. They are collectively referred to as san senke. Early life Rikyū was born in Sakai, now in Osaka Prefecture. His father was a warehouse owner named Tanaka Yohei (田中與兵衛), who later in life also used the fa